Thursday, April 14, 2016

Japan: Magnitude 6.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Kyushu Geothermal Plants

A strong earthquake struck the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, injuring at least 12 people and causing houses to collapse in a town close to the epicenter.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the top government spokesman, said the injuries occurred in the town of Mashiki near the epicenter. He added that at least 19 buildings, some homes, collapsed.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake struck at 9:26 p.m. local time (12:26 p.m. GMT, 8:26 a.m. EDT) and had a magnitude of 6.5. The epicenter was 7 miles underground, a relatively shallow quake. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 6.2. It is common for initial measurements to differ slightly. The Japanese agency earlier said the magnitude was 6.4.

The epicenter is close to geothermal power plants at Haccobaru, Ohtake and Takenoyu. There is no news as yet of any damage.